Hanna

Disappointing After Sales

As a single mum of 2 young children, I bought my Toyota Prius car through a dealer (Alastair Cars) in the hope that it would give me more peace of mind than a private sale due to having a 3 month warranty period post-sale. I also chose an AA accredited dealer in the hope that it would be even more of an assurance that it was a reputable dealer with minimal problems. During the first 3 months I noticed that the driver side windscreen washer jet wasn't working, that there was a sporadic whistling sound coming from externally and that the gears wouldn't always engage when the car ignition was started until the ignition was turned off and on once or twice (this happened on a number of occasions). On voicing these problems to Alastair Cars, I was advised to go and see them with the car to resolve any issues. It was established that the washers were clogged with limescale and I was advised to buy myself new ones from eBay and told that they would fit them for me if needed. Bearing in mind that the washers were blocked with limescale, this is something that has clearly built up over time and isn't something that happened since I bought it. On this basis and knowing that they will need fitting by someone with the right tools as the insulation is not something I can remove myself, would you feel that it is fair to ask me to source and buy them myself? Regarding the squealing sound, I was told that it was likely that inferior brake pads had been fitted and that there was about 10% left on them but that if I returned when the light on the car come on showing that they needed changing, that they would change them for me at a cost. Would you be happy to hear sporadic squeaking on a car that you have just bought, be told that it has 10% left on the brake pads and that you should come back when the warning light appears on the dashboard and pay to have it fixed? Whether or not there is a lot of mileage left on the brake pads, it isn't pleasant or reassuring to listen to sporadic squeaking (also, why is it sporadic if this is the problem?) With regards to the gears, I was told that this was normal for a semi-automatic not to always engage immediately. Would you feel reassured to know that a car not wanting to get into gear until the ignition is turned off and on once or twice is normal? I appreciate that it is a second-hand car but buying through a dealer should provide a customer with more peace of mind and service as and when needed within the warranty period. At present I do not feel that this is the case and am therefore unable to provide a positive review.